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Helping rural leaders grow

By Rachel Farris Winter 2023

Faith+Lead Academy offers “online theological education for everyone”—live and on-demand courses that tap into the treasures of the Christian tradition to equip people to love God and neighbor.

Recent courses aim to support people in rural and small-town communities, and those who are called to ministry with them. Developed through listening sessions with rural congregations, Faith+Lead Academy’s rural ministry pathway specifically addresses the unique dynamics and needs of rural and small-town contexts.

“In many communities, roles that were previously held by pastors are now being filled out of necessity by lay leaders who may not have had the opportunity for theological formation,” said Jon Anderson, director of rural ministry at Luther Seminary. At the same time, pastors who are called to rural congregations from urban or suburban backgrounds often need help learning about and adapting to their new environment.

Meant for both ordained clergy and laypeople, “these courses are all about equipping the saints to do ministry,” said Anderson. “Equipping people for rural culture, for thinking ahead and planning, to preach, to lead worship, and to do congregational/community care.”

Initial offerings in the series include:

  • Entering Rural Ministry: Rural Curiosity (with Jon Anderson)
  • Rediscovering Hope: Encouragement for Rural Ministry (with Keith Zeh ’82 M.Div.)
  • You’ve Been Asked to Preach: Now What? (with Kathryn Skoglund ’01 M.Div., ’16 D.Min.)
  • Embodying Thoughts and Prayers: Providing Spiritual Care and Comfort (with Hollie Holt-Woehl ’93 M.Div., ’07 Ph.D.)

Like all Faith+Lead Academy courses, individual, group, and membership pricing is available for the rural ministry pathway.

Learn more at faithlead.org/academy.

Winter 2023 Articles